Graduate Student Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Admissions

1. How can I apply for an OSU graduate degree program?

You can apply online for all OSU graduate degree programs. To apply online, visit the OSU Graduate College application page and click the "Apply Now" link to create an account. Once your account has been created, you can create and submit your application online.

2. Can I complete part of the online application and finish it later?

Yes, you can begin an online application and finish it later. The application will remember information you have previously entered, and save it for up to one month for you to finish at a later date. After signing in using the email address and password you provided when you created your sign-in account, you can edit existing applications or create new ones. Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to edit it again.

3. What are the application deadlines?

For domestic applicants and applicants who hold a Permanent Resident Card: A complete application must reach the Graduate College at least one month prior to the beginning of school or departmental deadline (whichever is first). To determine what your department’s deadline is, visit the Graduate Program Application Deadline page.

For international applicants: The recommended deadline for a complete application to reach the Graduate College for Fall semester is March 1 and for Spring Semester August 1. Some programs have specific deadlines which are earlier than these general deadlines. You should review the specific program web page to ensure that you meet their deadlines.

The Graduate College will consider applications completed after the general deadline, but we cannot guarantee an admissions decision will be made in time to receive an I-20 for the Visa interview. Also, departmental admissions committees may not consider applications and or credentials received after their deadlines.

Because of the amount of time it takes to review international credentials and send immigration papers (e.g., an I-20), international students should expect that the application process will take several weeks to be completed.

4. I missed the application deadline, but I want to start taking classes. Can I do that?

Yes. Before submitting a program application, submit an application for admission as a non-degree seeking special graduate student. Follow the instructions for completing the online Graduate College application and check the appropriate option in the application. You may take a total of nine credit hours as a non-degree seeking special student that may apply to your graduate degree after you are fully admitted to a degree program. You may upload unofficial undergraduate transcripts for admission review in your online application.

The non-degree seeking graduate application fee is $25 and must be paid online at the end of your application.

5. What is a complete application?

For Domestic applicants and applicants who hold a Permanent Resident Card:

To have a complete application packet, you must submit to us:

A completed application

Unofficial undergraduate transcripts uploaded into your online application or originals of transcript(s)/marksheet(s) sent directly from all colleges and universities attended (all transcripts/marksheets must be official in the university’s sealed envelope with the college's or registrar's original seal and should show degrees completed).

A $50 non-refundable application fee.

An applicant who has or will have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary teaching language, and which is located in a country where English is a primary language, is not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.

Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of spoken English usually by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score. A TOEFL score of 79 (internet based test)or 550 (paper based test) or above is required regardless of the number of semesters or terms completed in other institutions of higher education, including OSU, or prior enrollment in English language programs. The TOEFL institution code for OSU is 6546.

Alternatively, an official IELTS, academic stream, examination with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 will satisfy the English proficiency requirements for admission to a graduate program. Either examination must have been taken within the last two years. Some departments require a score above the minimum 79/550 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS.

Transcripts and other documents submitted become the property of Oklahoma State University and are not returned to the applicant.

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

For a complete application, the following items must be submitted:

A completed International Application

A US$75 non-refundable application fee.

All official transcripts or marksheets and diplomas (certified copies or originals) sent directly from the institution. A degree comparable to a Baccalaureate degree from an American university is required with a cumulative grade point average equivalent to a 3.0 or hgher on a 4.0 scale.

An applicant who has or will have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary teaching language, and which is located in a country where English is a primary language, is not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.

Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of spoken English usually by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score. A TOEFL score of 79 (internet based test) or 550 (paper based test) or above is required regardless of the number of semesters or terms completed in other institutions of higher education, including OSU, or prior enrollment in English language programs. The TOEFL institution code for OSU is 6546.

Alternatively, an official IELTS, academic stream, examination with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 will satisfy the English proficiency requirements for admission to a graduate program. Either examination must have been taken within the last two years.

Some departments require a score above the minimum 79/550 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS.

Transcripts and other documents submitted become the property of Oklahoma State University and are not returned to the applicant.

6. What are the supporting documents?

Supporting documents are materials that tell more about you than the application and your transcript(s). These can include test scores (e.g., GRE or GMAT), a vita, or letters of recommendation. You should contact the coordinator for your program about what, if any, of these documents they require for your admission to their program.

Required supporting documents (vita, goals statements, etc.) should be uploaded electronically in your online application. You will provide email addresses for each of your recommenders in your online application. The graduate college will then provide each recommender with instructions for submission of their letters of recommendation electronically. No paper letters of recommendation should be submitted. Test scores can be self-reported within your online application, but official scores must be received from the testing company before the program application deadline.

7. How can I pay the application fee?

Application fees must be paid electronically at the end of your online application.

8. I am reapplying. What do I need to do?

Previous applicants who were not admitted to the Graduate College and applicants who declined a previous offer of admission must submit a new application and application fee. Admissions records of applicants who did not enroll in the Graduate College are retained for one year and will be combined with new application records. Be advised to submit transcripts for all academic work not included in the previous application.

Applicants who want to change from one program to another program must submit another application and an additional application fee.

9. I want to change my submitted application from one program to another program and have the application fee transfer to that new program. Can I do that?

Unfortunately, no. You will need to submit a new application and an additional application fee to indicate your interest in the new program. If you have decided not to continue to pursue the original application, please contact our office via email or written letter indicating that you wish to cancel your original application so that we may inform that program. This will stop them from making contact to you about completing an application that you are no longer pursuing.

Some OSU graduate programs require the GRE and others do not. It is important that you contact the program about their admissions requirements to determine if this test or other tests are required. Additionally, some programs require the GRE subject test.

Some graduate programs in the College of Education will accept the Millers Analogy Test (MAT) instead of a GRE score.

If, at the time of application, your GRE scores will be more than 5 years old you will need to retake the GRE and have those scores sent to Oklahoma State University (Institution Code 6546).

Oklahoma State University's GRE Institution Code is 6546.

For additional information and the latest updates on the GRE, please visit the GRE website.

11. Can I substitute GMAT/MCAT/LSAT scores for the GRE?

If a test is required, typically other test scores cannot be substituted. Some graduate programs in the College of Education will accept the Millers Analogy Test (MAT) instead of a GRE score.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) only accepts GMAT scores.

It is important that you contact the program about their admission requirements to determine if this test or other tests are required. Some programs also require the GRE subject test; please review the admissions requirements for the program that interests you.

12. How are multiple GRE scores treated?

GRE scores are one of the many criteria used to evaluate an applicant. Individual departments' practices may differ, but generally the last test score reported is the one used. Keep in mind that the score report will include all scores from the tests taken within the last five years.

13. I took the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) in the past. Do I have to take it again?

The requirements for a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score are governed by the Oklahoma State Regents. An applicant who has or will have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary teaching language, and which is located in a country where English is a primary language, is not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of spoken English usually by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score. A TOEFL score of 79 (internet based test) or 550 (paper based test) or above is required regardless of the number of semesters or terms completed in other institutions of higher education, including OSU, or prior enrollment in English language programs.

The TOEFL institution code for OSU is 6546.

Alternatively, an official IELTS, academic stream, examination with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 will satisfy the English proficiency requirements for admission to a graduate program. Either examination must have been taken within the last two years.

About the Test of Spoken English (TSE)

All applicants who accept offers of teaching assistant positions are strongly encouraged to present TSE scores by the time of enrollment.

For additional information and the latest updates on the TOEFL and TSE, please visit http://www.toefl.org/

The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement program awards grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to prepare participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are U. S. citizens, from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential. Institutions work closely with these participants through their undergraduate requirements, encourage their entrance into graduate programs, and track their progress to successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal of McNair is to increase the attainment of the Ph.D. by students from underrepresented segments of society.

The OSU Graduate College requires a "Letter of Good Standing" from the Director of the McNair program you completed during your undergraduate education. This letter must be submitted to the Graduate College in order to complete the application package.

17. My question is not answered. What do I do?

If your question is not answered above and you want to contact Graduate Student Services, please call us at 918-594-8445 or send an e-mail to osutgssc@okstate.edu. We will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.

Newly Admitted Students

1. Do I have a student ID number? How do I find it?

All students admitted to the university are assigned a Campus Wide Identification Number (CWID). You may access your number by logging into myOKSTATE.

2. How do I set up my student email and access Student Self-Service?

First you must set up your O-Key account at okey.okstate.edu. You can then use your newly created email and password (O-Key) to access the myOKSTATE self-services portal. If you have problems setting up your email or logging into Student services, contact the IT Helpdesk at 405-744-4357 or helpdesk@okstate.edu.

3. I was just admitted as a Non-Degree Seeking Graduate student. Who do I contact for advising?

If you have been assigned a faculty advisor by your program upon admission, contact that person directly. If you have not been assigned a faculty advisor, contact Graduate Student Services and we will connect you with the appropriate faculty graduate advisor.

Advising and Enrollment Questions

1. Can I transfer in course credits earned at other institutions?

Masters students may transfer a maximum of 9 credit hours from another university, subject to departmental approval. Transfer credit will only be considered if it was earned when the student was post-baccalaureate (i.e., after earning a bachelor’s degree) at an accredited institution and the applicable course(s) was/were certified as graduate credit by that institution. All courses used as transfer credit must have a grade of "B" or better.

A doctoral student may transfer more than nine hours if the courses in question were housed in a department or program that offers an Ed.D. or Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree. Doctoral students must complete at least 30 hours at OSU if you have already completed a master’s degree or at least 60 hours at OSU if you are in a 90-hour doctoral program.

Once you are enrolled, you can have your student ID made at the Student Services front desk in North Hall Area 130. They are open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday. You may call 918-594-8355 to verify that someone is available to make your ID.

3. I am unable to enroll online through the Student Information System. What do I do? (Hold information)

You can log into myOKState to check for holds. If you have an advising hold, contact your program faculty advisor if you have been assigned one. If you do not yet have an advisor, contact Graduate Student Services.

HOLDS

What to do for the various holds that you may see:

Bursar hold: You will be required to pay your bursar bill in order for the bursar’s office to remove the hold. You may contact the OSU-Tulsa Bursar office at 918-594-8320.

Immunization hold: Contact the OSU-Tulsa Student Services office for information on this at 918-594-8355.

Transcript hold: You will need to submit any missing official transcripts required by the Graduate College for the hold to be lifted. For more information call the Graduate Student Services Center at 918-594-8445 or the Graduate College direct at 405-744-6368.

Plan of Study: Your plan of study must be submitted and approved before the Graduate College can remove your registration hold. You can submit your plan of study online at https://app.it.okstate.edu/pos/.

Full-time enrollment for graduate students is nine credit hours during the Spring and Fall semesters and four credit hours during the Summer semester. Requirements differ for students who have been awarded assistantships.